Uruguay World Cup hopes threatened after football board quits

In this April 4, 2013 file photo, fans of Uruguay's Nacional display a gigantic flag before the start of a Copa Libertadores football match in Montevideo, Uruguay. The entire leadership of Uruguay’s soccer federation resigned on Monday with little more than two months left before the World Cup because President Luis Mujica ordered the withdrawal of police protection from the home stadiums of Penarol and Nacional, last week, after Nacional’s fans injured 40 police officers. The federation and its clubs say they won’t be safe without police protection.

Uruguay reportedly faces exclusion from this year’s FIFA World Cup after its entire executive committee quit amid a crisis that has reached the office of President Jose Mujica.

Local media reported on Monday the decision was a result of the government’s refusal to send police to matches involving giants Penarol and Nacional due to fan violence.

According to the

El Pais and

El Observador newspapers, the move breaches FIFA rules which prohibit governments from interfering in football matters.

In a resignation statement, Uruguay’s Football Association (AUF) president Sebastian Bauza said: “The well publicised acts that have occurred in recent times show the need for the AUF board to take a step to one side and allow other political views to govern our football.”

A FIFA spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Mujica’s decision to withdraw police came after officers were injured during a riot after Nacional’s 2—4 Copa Libertadores defeat to Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys last Wednesday.

Uruguay have been drawn in the World Cup’s Group D alongside Italy, England and Costa Rica.